Using methanol fuel cells to power monitoring equipment is not only helping the Environment Agency reduce its carbon footprint, it's also allowing the agency to measure results at more remote locations under challenging conditions.

Methanol fuel cells were first trialled by the agency's Fisheries Assessment Team to investigate salmon, trout and Arctic charr populations near the foot of Snowdon in north Wales.

The nature and remoteness of the location meant mains electricity, standard diesel generators and batteries alone were out of the question. Using Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) technology to power automated video equipment significantly reduced the number of staff visits for refuelling and maintenance, resulting in a 73% reduction in mileage, staff time and CO2 emissions.

A resilient power source, methanol fuel cells automatically monitor battery voltage, have in-built frost protection and send a text alert when the fuel cartridge is getting low. They reduce staff time, travel and waste and can work in difficult conditions where batteries would struggle. And because methanol can be generated from renewable sources, the Environment Agency's monitoring stations can be run on clean energy.

All of which means the agency can undertake more challenging studies while working towards its target of a 33% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2015.

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